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How to Address Homelessness: Reflections from Research

Author

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  • Katherine M. O’Regan
  • Ingrid Gould Ellen
  • Sophie House

Abstract

This commentary considers policy implications of research in this volume and elsewhere, and we emphasize the benefits of policy approaches that move “upstream,†to the prevention of homelessness. Policies that address the structural causes of homelessness, described by numerous articles in this ANNALS volume, are the furthest upstream and may be the most important in eradicating homelessness, and policies aimed at prevention are next. We point out that effective prevention requires targeting those most at risk, and we call for creative use of data and better coordination with institutions and systems that may be able to identify the antecedents to homelessness. We note that currently, the homelessness shelter system is strained, so we argue for a radical rethinking of its role, with a shift of resources to efforts further upstream. The existing racial disparities in both pathways to and incidence of homelessness bring urgency to making more than marginal policy changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine M. O’Regan & Ingrid Gould Ellen & Sophie House, 2021. "How to Address Homelessness: Reflections from Research," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 322-332, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:693:y:2021:i:1:p:322-332
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716221995158
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Gubits & Marybeth Shinn & Michelle Wood & Scott R. Brown & Samuel R. Dastrup & Stephen H. Bell, 2018. "What Interventions Work Best for Families Who Experience Homelessness? Impact Estimates from the Family Options Study," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 37(4), pages 835-866, September.
    2. Jennifer E. Mosley, 2021. "Cross-Sector Collaboration to Improve Homeless Services: Addressing Capacity, Innovation, and Equity Challenges," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 246-263, January.
    3. Goodman, Sarena & Messeri, Peter & O'Flaherty, Brendan, 2016. "Homelessness prevention in New York City: On average, it works," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 14-34.
    4. Vincent A. Fusaro & Helen G. Levy & H. Luke Shaefer, 2018. "Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Lifetime Prevalence of Homelessness in the United States," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 55(6), pages 2119-2128, December.
    5. Devin Q. Rutan & Matthew Desmond, 2021. "The Concentrated Geography of Eviction," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 64-81, January.
    6. Debra J. Rog & Kathryn A. Henderson & Clara A. Wagner & Emily L. Abbruzzi, 2021. "Housing Matters, Services Might: Findings from the High Needs Families Program Evaluation," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 209-229, January.
    7. Brianna Remster, 2021. "Homelessness among Formerly Incarcerated Men: Patterns and Predictors," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 141-157, January.
    8. Ryan Finnigan, 2021. "The Growth and Shifting Spatial Distribution of Tent Encampments in Oakland, California," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 284-300, January.
    9. Thomas H. Byrne & Benjamin F. Henwood & Anthony W. Orlando, 2021. "A Rising Tide Drowns Unstable Boats: How Inequality Creates Homelessness," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 28-45, January.
    10. James Lachaud & Cilia Mejia-Lancheros & Rosane Nisenbaum & Vicky Stergiopoulos & Patricia O’Campo & Stephen W. Hwang, 2021. "Housing First and Severe Mental Disorders: The Challenge of Exiting Homelessness," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 178-192, January.
    11. Barrett A. Lee & Marybeth Shinn & Dennis P. Culhane, 2021. "Homelessness as a Moving Target," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 8-26, January.
    12. Zachary Parolin, 2021. "Income Support Policies and the Rise of Student and Family Homelessness," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 46-63, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ayşe İmrohoroğlu & Kai Zhao, 2022. "Homelessness," Working papers 2022-17, University of Connecticut, Department of Economics.

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